Florida veterans' chief Collins dies in bike accident

Thursday

Jul 29, 2010 at 1:49 PMJul 29, 2010 at 1:51 PM

Retired Adm. LeRoy Collins Jr., a former U.S. Senate candidate and current director of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, was killed Thursday morning when he was hit by an SUV while riding his bicycle, police said. He was 75.

The Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. — Retired Adm. LeRoy Collins Jr., a former U.S. Senate candidate and current director of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, was killed Thursday morning when he was hit by an SUV while riding his bicycle, police said. He was 75.

Collins, the son of a former Florida governor, was hit while riding in a crosswalk near downtown Tampa at about 6 a.m., police said. The 27-year-old driver was making a left turn and apparently didn't see Collins. No charges have been filed, but the investigation is continuing.

"It's quite a shock to all of us," said Steve Murray, a Collins friend and communications director for the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. "We're deeply saddened. He was such a strong advocate for Florida's more than 1.6 million veterans, able to reach out to everyone from a four-star admiral to a homeless veteran and make each feel welcome and wanted."

The Tallahassee-born Collins ran for the U.S. Senate in 2006, but lost in the Republican primary to Katherine Harris. Gov. Charlie Crist appointed him executive director of the veterans' affairs department in 2007.

On Thursday, Crist called him a "consummate gentleman and outstanding role model."

"Admiral Collins has been a loyal and constant advocate for quality health care and economic support for Florida's veterans, as well as a lifelong Floridian dedicated to improving the quality of life of all in our state," the governor said in a statement.

According to his biography on the department's website, Collins received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1956 and served in various capacities before transferring to the Navy Reserve in 1966.

As a reservist, he commanded a coastal minesweeper and various submarine units. His last role was as commander of the Navy liaison unit at U.S. Readiness Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. He retired as a two-star rear admiral in 1990.

Settling in Tampa, he became involved in various business and corporate ventures. Murray said the lanky Collins was a physical fitness buff who loved exercising and being outdoors.